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Time of day is 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Paired with the Bladder
Governs water
Controls: the Gate of Life/Ming Men, the reception of Qi, spittle, the two lower orifices
Manifests in the hair
Fluid is spittle
Tissue is bones
Sound is groaning
Climate is Cold
Direction is north
Taste is salty
Season is winter
Sense is ears
Odor is putrid
Emotion is fear
Color is black
Development is storage
Movement is downward
Yin/Yang is utmost Yin
Lavender and milky oats for nervous exhaustion and tension
Lavender and rosemary for headache with nervous tension
Lavender and feverfew for migraine
Lavender and catnip for colic in children
Lavender and peppermint for epigastric or abdominal discomfort with depression
𝗟𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
We are all familiar with lavender’s calming and tranquilizing effects. It Calms the Heart Shen, i.e., anxiety, insomnia, palpitations. Calms Liver Yang rising and Liver Wind = headache, migraine, nervous tension.
As seen in rat studies, lavender has direct antispasmodic action on the intestines (Intestinal Qi disturbances); this is beneficial for IBS, gas, menstrual cramps, Crohn’s, intestinal colic, muscle spasms, etc.
It is also has a secondary effect as a mild circulatory stimulant. This gentle moving effect can move both Heart and Liver Qi, making it useful for mild depression, indigestion, bipolar disorder, anxiety-depression, etc.
Also known as Winter Cherry - Indian Ginseng - Ajagandha - Kanaje
Bitter, warm, dry, sweet
TCM: Tonifies Yang, calms the Shen, calms the Liver, augments Essence, transforms Phlegm, and stops coughing
Belongs to the nightshade family - those with allergies or sensitivity to nightshades should not take it
Considered to be Rasayana = tonic for longevity and vitality/vigor
A calming adaptogen that regulates thyroid (stimulates the thyroid), testes, and adrenal glands, normalizes hormones and physiological functions
nourishing, building = relieves weakness and nervous exhaustion, emaciation, malnutrition, chronic fatigue
promotes healthy sleep cycles, insomnia
Grounding herb that regulates metabolic processes and stabilizes mood. Test have shown that extracts produce GABA-like activity = produces a calming effect, which makes sense as it is widely used for anxiety
Often paired with Shatavari (Ashwagandha = Yang tonic - Shatavari = Yin tonic synergistic together)
Used as an aphrodisiac, to build sexual energy and improve sperm count (mixed with ghee and honey), infertility
Rich in iron and used for anemia (mix powder w/ blackstrap molasses)
Back pain, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis
Type II diabetes
Takes about a month to build up in our system - so its effects won’t likely be noticed right away
Per David Winston-
It has significant benefits for hyperimmune and hypoimmune function.
Used in India as part of protocols for cancer (suppresses tumors and prevents depletion of white blood cells
Per KP Khalsa -
chronic heart and vascular disorders, where it is often combined with the famous Terminalia arjuna (arjuna bark)
Per Michael and Lesley Tierra -
The leaves are used for hemorrhoids, wounds tumors, sores, rashes, and fever
Per Larken Bunce -
Ashwagandha can be uncomfortable for people that aren’t feeling safe or feel too uncomfortable to relax. Of course, we don’t want to force them or contribute to uncomfortable feelings. For these people, she suggests adding in other herbs like damiana or mugwort that have an uplift.
Pitta types = cranky get grumpy on ashwagandha - should give it to them right before bed vs. during the day.
Chart #1 in the series of TCM Heart Patterns of Disharmony
Chart #2 will concentrate on TCM Heart Excess-Full Patterns of Disharmony
Heart
Time of day is 11 am to 1 pm
Paired with the Small Intestine
Governs Blood
Controls the Blood vessels and sweat
Manifests in the complexion
Fluid is sweat
Sound is laughing
Climate is Heat
Direction is South
Taste is bitter
Season is Summer
Sense is tongue
Odor is scorched
Emotion is joy
Houses the Mind
Color is red
Development is growth
Movement is upward
Yin/Yang is utmost Yang
The above is chart #3 and the final chart in the series of TCM Liver Patterns of Disharmony. Certainly, there are more combinations possible (ie Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, Liver Qi stagnation invading the Lungs, etc), to keep the chart to a reasonable size I have concentrated on the above patterns.
Chart #2 in the series of TCM Liver Patterns of Disharmony.
Chart #3 will concentrate on TCM Liver Combination Excess/Full and Deficient/Empty Patterns of Disharmony.
Ginseng is widely used because people want more energy, stamina, and mental clarity. Often found as an ingredient in an energy shot or soft drink. There are five types of Ginsengs. They share similar properties, however, they aren’t all of the same plant species. Today I am focusing on American Ginseng, and 10 Things to Know about it.
It is an adaptogen and tonic herb entering the Kidney, Heart, and Lung channels
From a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine perspective it Nourishes Yin, Tonifies Qi, Clears Deficient Heat, and Clears Lung Fire.
American Ginseng is less stimulating than Panax Ginseng and cool whereas Panax Ginseng is slightly warm.
CNS (Central Nervous System) suppressant making it useful for insomnia, ADD, and tinnitus.
It generates fluids aiding in dry mouth, thirst, dry Lungs, hoarse throat, and dry cough with blood.
Useful for respiratory conditions wheezing, asthma, and allergies.
Benefits the digestive system making it helpful for atonic indigestion, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive weakness.
Helpful in cases of menopause for night sweats, and hot flashes.
Balances hormones and protects the adrenals. Stress and fatigue, weak adrenals, dark circles under the eyes, catch colds easily.
Helps control metabolic syndrome and Type II Diabetes.
One bonus and unexpected use - jetlag!
Remember, not every herb works for everybody. Let me know if I can help you determine if American Ginseng might be right for you.
Energy/Taste: slightly bitter, sweet, slightly cool (Tierra) / cold (Bensky) | Channels and Organs affected: Lung, Kidney, Heart | Dosage: 3-6g
References: Chen & Chen,(2012) Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology; Bensky, Clavey, Stoger w/Gamble,(2015) Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica; Michael and Lesley Tierra,(2017) East-West Herb Course Materia Medica; David Winston,(2007) Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief